Product Description

During his career in the Premiership, Jeff Winter became one of our most high-profile referees - regularly called upon to take action while 40,000 fans screamed abuse at him. Since breaking ties with the FA, Jeff is now free to reveal the true referee experience with utter candidness: his dealings with the most controversial and volatile players, and his famous bust-ups with Sir Alex Ferguson, Sam Allardyce and others. It is a sensational tale, packed with insight and laced with wry humour. It is also the story of how Jeff transformed himself from terrace boot-boy to lawman on the pitch: a journey of hard knocks and comic episodes as he progressed through the lower leagues to the very top. It is quite simply the most honest account of refereeing ever written. 'Back to your usual self, Jeff, fucking useless' - Sir Alex Ferguson. 'He drives me nuts. An absolute prat - and you can print that as well' - Steve Bruce. 'I'll get the sack soon enough. Perhaps I'll send Jeff a note when the P45 arrives' - Martin O'Neill.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #137006 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
"'Back to your usual self Jeff, fucking useless' Sir Alex Ferguson 'He drives me nuts. An absolute prat - and you can print that as well' Steve Bruce"

Four Four Two
"Affords a rare insight into the referee's lot and doesn't disappoint."

The Times
"His book will be enjoyed by all those interested in how football has evolved over the past two decades."

Customer Reviews

An unironic title
As an avid fan of all sport biographies, you sometimes have to take the rough with the smooth. I had really enjoyed David Elleray's autobiography on life as a ref so was keen to read Jeff Winter's account.

Ultimately, this was a disappointing read. Winter clearly rates himself both as a top referee and as a comedian. The book is littered with "end of the pier" quips that just aren't funny. Moreover, his account of life as a top referee suggest an arrogance that may have made him so unpopular with players and managers.

Interestingly, Winter writes of his admiration for my beloved Liverpool and his good relationship with Steven Gerrard. A very different account of that relationship is given in Gerrard's own book where he questions Winter's attitude and ability as a ref.

It gets two stars for offering some insight but, if you want a decent book on top level refereeing, then opt for David Elleray's more insightful, better written and self-effacing "Man in the Middle".

The self importance of being Jeffrey
They say that you can tell when a football referee has had a good match when you forgot he was there. Jeff Winter didn't seem to believe this adage. To me he seemed to enjoy getting himself noticed, as if the crowd had paid to see him, as well as a game of football.
This may be unfair, but this book does little to dispel these feelings. Instead, Jeff Winters overwhelming feelings of self importance radiate from almost every page and 'Who's the b******' turns into a bit of a tedious read.
It is largely a recounting of matches that he has officiated in - Jeff Winter's greatest hits? - but there is the occasional gem thrown in. The one that stands out in my mind is the anecdote about his last game at Anfield. He recalls that after the final whistle had been blown the crowd burst into a particularly rousing burst of applause. He speculates that this was directed at him, as an appreciation of the career as a referee. This may be so, but I think that it is most likely done because the home team had played excellently, winning 4-0!
One day someone will write the definative book about being a referee. It hasn't been written yet and and this certainly isn't it.

Who's the B? Who cares?
I note that one of the favourable reviews is by someone who doesn't read books! Nobody who does could enjoy this self-obsessed tosh by a ref who wasn't good enough to make the international list. There are much better books by much better refs available -- Collina, Poll, Elleray.